Vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation and method of using same

ABSTRACT

Mobile computer workstations must be sufficiently large in order to be stable, but small enough to be easily maneuverable through a work place. A vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation of the present disclosure includes a pole rotatably attached to a base supported by a plurality of rotatable members. The pole includes a first arm rotatably attached to a second arm. A computer support is attached to the second arm and is moveable between a sitting user position and a standing user position, at least in part, by pivoting the arms of the pole with respect to one another and the moveable base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to computer workstations, andmore particularly to a vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstationand a method of using same.

BACKGROUND

With the growing dependence on computers, mobile computer workstationshave been developed so that employees have access to computers away fromtheir desks or work stations. For instance, in hospitals, nurses ortechnicians can transport mobile computer workstations between patients'rooms while making their rounds, and thus, continually update patients'treatment records. However, unlike stationary computer workstations atwhich the user is generally sitting, the user of a mobile computerworkstation may be either sitting or standing. Thus, in order to assurethat the computer monitor to be comfortably used by either sitting orstanding users, the computer workstation should bevertically-adjustable.

A mobile computer workstation described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,402 B2,issued to Coonan et al., on May 28, 2002, is vertically-adjustablebetween a sitting and a standing user position. A pole couples acomputer support, to which a computer can be attached, to a wheeledbase. The pole includes a first arm moveable attached to a stationaryarm that is attached to the base. The computer support is attached tomove with the moveable arm. The first arm moves about the stationary armalong an arc between the standing user position and the sitting userposition. When in the standing position, the computer support, and anattached computer, is at a greater vertical distance from the base thanwhen in the sitting user position. Thus, because the center of gravityof the workstation is higher in the standing user position, aworkstation is generally less stable in the standing user position thanin the sitting user position.

In order to increase stability in the standing user position, the Coonanworkstation positions the computer support, and thus, the weight of theattached computer, close to a vertical line extending through the centerof the base. Thus, when in the standing user position, the weight of acomputer attached to the computer support is centered over the base,thereby increasing the stability of the workstation.

Although the vertically-adjustable computer workstation described abovehas been designed to increase stability in the standing user position,when in the sitting user position, the computer support, and an attachedcomputer, is off center with the base. Because of the lopsided nature ofthe computer workstation when in the sitting user position, a largerbase may be needed to stabilize the computer workstation. The largerbase can make maneuvering the computer workstation through the workplace and accessing the computer during operation more difficult.

The present disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more of theproblems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vertically-adjustable mobilecomputer workstation includes a pole attached to a base that issupported by a plurality of rotatable members. The pole includes a firstarm that is connected to a second arm. The first and second arms includea rotational coupling that is operable such that rotation of one of thefirst and second arms results in rotation of the other of the first andsecond arms with respect to the base.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vertically-adjustablecomputer workstation is used by coupling a head assembly that includes acomputer support to a moveable base via a pole with multiple arms atleast two of which are coupled to rotate with one another. The computersupport is moved between a sitting user position and a standing userposition, at least in part, by pivoting the at least two arms of thepole with respect to the moveable base.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vertically-adjustablecomputer workstation includes a pole that is attached to a basesupported by a plurality of rotatable members. The pole includes a firstarm that is connected to a second arm. The first and second arms arerotatable with respect to the base. At least one neutral supportmechanism is operably coupled between the base and the first arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a computer workstation with a computersupport being in a standing user position, according to a preferredembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side sectioned side view of the computer workstation of FIG.1 with the computer support being in a sitting user position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side sectioned side view of a rotational couplingof the computer workstation of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a computer workstation,according to a first alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a pole of a computer workstation,according to a second alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a computer workstation,according to a third alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a head assembly of a computerworkstation, according to a fourth alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a vertically-adjustable mobilecomputer workstation 10 with a computer support in a standing userposition 20 b, according to the preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The computer workstation 10 includes a base 12 to which apole 13 is attached. The base 12 is supported by a plurality ofrotatable members 14. Although the present disclosure contemplates thebase being of various shapes, including star-shaped, and including anynumber of rotatable members, the base 12 is preferably rectangular andis supported by four rotatable members, each positioned at a corner ofthe rectangular base 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatbetween 3 and 6 rotatable members provides for a more stable computerworkstation 10. However, too many or too large of rotatable members canlimit the maneuverability of the workstation through the work place. Therotatable members 14 are illustrated as rollers, but could be anysuitable support members, such as spherical rotatable supports. Therotatable members can, but need not necessarily, include a lockingmechanism known in the art for temporarily locking the rotatable member14 against rotation. The base 12 preferably includes a stabilityenhancer 15 that includes a weight being suspended from the base 12. Theweight is suspended underneath the base 12 in order to lower the centerof gravity of the workstation 10. Although the weight can vary, theweight preferably includes a battery 16. Thus, the stability enhancer 15is preferably a storage compartment for the battery 16 that not onlyincreases the stability of the workstation 10 by lowering the center ofgravity of the computer workstation 10, but also provides batterystorage, reducing or eliminating the need for cumbersome power cords.The battery 16 can be electronically connected to a laptop type computeror in the case of a traditional computer, the monitor or the keyboard inany conventional manner, such as via a power cord concealed in pole 13.

The pole 13 includes a first arm 11 that is rotatably attached to asecond arm 17 via a connector assembly 36. The first and second arms 11and 17 include a rotational coupling 18 (shown in detail in FIG. 3) thatis operable such that rotation of one of the first and second arms 11and 17 results in rotation of the other of the first and second arms 11and 17. Preferably, the computer workstation 10 includes at least onecomputer workstation accessory 39, such as the illustrated retractablepower cord reel, adjacent to the connector assembly 36, and attached toa casing 33 that has a fixed horizontal orientation and surrounds theconnector assembly 36. It should be appreciated that the casing 33around the connector assembly 36 could provide a storage area forvarious other computer work station accessories, such as a mouse or abasket.

Each arm 11 and 17 preferably includes an inner longitudinal segment 11a and 17 a that is partially positioned within an outer longitudinalsegment 11 b and 17 b. Each inner segment 11 a and 17 a is the samelength as the corresponding outer segment 11 b and 17 b. The innersegment 11 a and the outer segment 11 b of the first arm 11 are rotabalyattached to the base 12 via a first pair of pivotjoints 38 a and 38 b,respectively. A computer support 20 (shown in FIG. 2) of a head assembly19 is attached to the inner segment 17 a and the outer segment 17 b ofthe second arm 17 via a second pair of pivot joints 50 a and 50 b (shownin FIG. 2), respectively. The arms 11 and 17 are operable to move thecomputer support 20 between a sitting user position 20 a (shown in FIG.2) and the standing user position 20 b (as illustrated in FIG. 1). Thestanding user position 20 b is to accommodate a standing computer user,and the sitting user position 20 a is to accommodate a sitting computeruser. Thus, the computer support 20 in the standing user position 20 bis at a greater vertical distance from the base 12 than the computersupport 20 in the sitting user position 20 a.

The illustrated head assembly 19 is adapted for a laptop computer andincludes one drawer 23 and a handle 37 that can be used for pulling theworkstation from place to place and for vertical adjustment of theworkstation 10. The head assembly 19 includes a platform 21 on which acomputer keyboard portion can be positioned and an adjustable monitorrest 22 on which a computer monitor portion can rest. The monitor rest22 is attached to the platform 21 in a manner that allows theorientation of the monitor portion of the laptop computer to be adjustedto a desired viewing position and stabilize the computer on theworkstation 10. When not in use, the monitor rest 22 can also be move toa closed position and locked in order to prevent unwanted removal of thecomputer. The present invention contemplates various sizes of headassemblies to fit various sizes of computers and head assembliesincluding more than one platform to provide more work space. It shouldbe appreciated that the head assembly 19 could include variousaccessories, such as a recessed keyboard platform and additionaldrawers. In addition, head assemblies that are adapted to fit cathoderay tube style computer monitors and flat screen monitor computers couldbe attached to the pole 13.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectioned side view of thecomputer workstation 10 with the computer support 20 in the sitting userposition 20 a. It should be appreciated that FIG. 2 illustrates thecomputer workstation 10 without the head assembly 19 attached to thepole 13 via the computer support 20. A neutral support mechanism 25 isoperably coupled between the base 12 and the first arm 11, and allowsthe computer support 20 to be positioned at any desired distance betweena pre-set maximum and minimum above the base 12. The neutral supportmechanism 25 preferably uses an internal force producing device andfriction to allow the computer workstation 10 to be continuouslystoppable between the pre-set maximum and minimum distances. While thepresent disclosure has been illustrated utilizing a continuouslystoppable device, it should be appreciated that the support device couldalternatively be a detented device, or other device, that would allowthe first arm 11 to stop at a plurality of preset vertical positionsbetween the maximum and minimum distance from the base 12. Further, thepresent disclosure contemplates at least one additional neutral supportmechanism being coupled between the first arm 11 and the second arm 17.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a computer workstationwith a neutral support mechanism for both arms 17 and 11 would notrequire the rotational coupling 18 between the arms 11 and 17. Eachneutral support mechanism could be adjusted to establish the forcerequired to move each arm.

The neutral support mechanism 25 preferably includes two pneumaticsprings 26 (only one spring shown) positioned adjacent to one anotherand coupled between the base 12 and the first arm 11. However, thepresent disclosure contemplates any number of pneumatic springs,including only one, and the spring being a hydraulic spring or anyadjustable force producing device. Each pneumatic spring 26 includes arod 27 and a cylinder 30. The rod 27 includes a first end positionedwithin the cylinder 30 and a second end attached to the base 12. The rod27 and the cylinder 30 are capable of producing a force proportional tothe distance that the rod 27 is moved with regard to the cylinder 30.The amount of force that the neutral support mechanism 25 will producecan be adjusted by a threaded member 28 coupled to the rod 27 by a nut29. The horizontal position of the nut 29 on the threaded member 28determines the amount of rod 27 unexposed by the cylinder 30, and thus,the amount of force produced. The nut 27 can be moved horizontallybetween a first and second stop 31 a and 31 b by twisting a head of thethreaded member 28. The position of the nut 29 illustrated in FIG. 2allows a relatively large length of the rod 27 to be outside of thecylinder 30, thus, producing less force. The illustrated orientation ofthe nut 29 is against the first stop 31 a and corresponds to the desiredforce to support a relatively light laptop computer that would beattached to head assembly 19. However, in order to support a relativelyheavy traditional computer, the nut 29 would be moved to a horizontalposition closer to the second stop 31 b, thus creating more force. Inother words, the movement of the nut 29 can change the torsional load ofthe arm 116 to correspond with the varying head load size. Althoughthere is movement of the rod 27 within cylinder 30 once the nut 29 isadjusted and fixed on the threaded member 2 due to the force created bythe vertical movement of the computer support 20, the movement of therod 27 is minimal. Moreover, as the computer support 20 moves verticallydownward, an angle of separation between a vertical center line 24 andthe pneumatic spring 26 increases, causing the force within the cylinderto be directed at an angle rather than vertically. Thus, the angularorientation of the pneumatic spring 26 may compensate for the minimalincrease in force within the cylinder 30. The neutral support mechanism25 will produce a relatively constant bias regardless of the vertical orhorizontal position of the computer attached to the head assembly 19that is preferably set to match the weight of the computer beingsupported.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the rotational coupling 18 includes aconnector plate 43 to which the first arm 11 and the second arm 17 arerotatably attached via a third pair of pivot joints 40 a and 40 b andfourth pair of pivot joints 41 a and 41 b, respectively. The innersegment 11 a and the outer segment 11 b of the first arm 11 arerotatably attached to the connector plate 43 via the third pair ofjoints 40 a and 40 b, respectively. The inner segment 17 a and the outersegment 17 b of the second arm 17 are rotatably attached to theconnector plate 43 via the fourth pair of pivot joints 41 a and 41 b,respectively. For purposes of this discussion, the length (L1) of thefirst arm 11 is the distance between the first pivot joint 38 b and thethird pivot joint 40 b. The length (L2) of the second arm 17 is thedistance the fourth pivot joint 41 b and the second pivot joint 50 b.The length (L1) of the first arm 11 and the length (L2) of the secondarm 17 are preferably identical.

The computer support 20 moves along a line between the standing userposition 20 b and the sitting user position 20 a. In the illustratedembodiment, the line is the vertical center line 24 extending throughthe base 12. By moving the computer support 20 along the vertical centerline 24, the majority of the weight on the computer workstation 10 iskept over the center of the computer workstation 10, thereby increasingthe stability of the station 10. In order to maintain a fixed horizontalposition of the computer support 20 and the connector plate 43, despitethe rotation of the arms 11 and 17, the orientation of the pivot jointswith one another remain constant except for the orientation of crosspivot joints. Specifically, the distance between second pivot joint 50 aand fourth pivot joint 41 b, the distance between second pivot joint 50b and fourth pivot joint 41 a, the distance between first pivot joint 38a and third pivot joint 40 b, and the distance between first pivot joint36 b and third pivot joint 40 a decrease as the computer support 20moves toward the sitting user position 20 a and increase as the computersupport 20 moves toward the standing user position 20 b. These varyingcross-distances allows the computer support 20 supporting the headassembly 19 to be attached to the second arm 17 and maintain ahorizontal orientation regardless of the movement of the second arm 17.It should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates othermethods of maintaining the horizontal positioning of the computersupport 20. For instance, each arm need not be segmented if the computersupport is attached to the second arm via a rotational coupling similarto the coupling 18 connecting the arms to one another, or possibly auser adjustable rotational attachment.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an enlarged cross-sectioned sideview of the rotational coupling 18 of the computer workstation 10 ofFIG. 2. The rotational coupling 18 preferably couples the first arm 11to the second arm 17 via at lest one gear set 32. It should beappreciated that the rotational coupling could include couplings otherthan the gear set, including, but not limited to, a cam-bar mechanismand/or a cable and pulley system. Preferably, the arm lengths (L1) and(L2) are identical and the gear set 32 includes a gear ratio of 1:1.Thus, when the first and second arms 11 and 17 move with one another,the arms 11 and 17 move at the same rate and along the center verticalline 24 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). Because the computer support 20moves along the center vertical line 24, the majority of the weight onthe computer workstation 10 is centered over the base 12, and thus, thespring force needed within the neutral support mechanism 25 ispreferably equal to the weight being supported by the workstation 10.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that by varying the gear ratioand the proportionality of the arms lengths L1 and L2, one arm 11 or 17can be made to move at a faster rate than the other arm 11 or 17 alongthe center vertical line 24. For instance, by altering the gear ratio ofthe second arm 17 to the first arm 11 from 1:1 to 1:2, the second arm 17will more faster than the first arm 11. In order to maintain themovement of the second arm 17 along the center vertical line 24 despitethe faster rate, the length L2 of the second arm 17 can be made shorterthan the length L1 of the first arm 11.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of acomputer workstation 110, according to a first alternative embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Similar to the preferred embodiment, the firstand second arms 11 and 17 of the first alternative embodiment arecoupled to one another via a gear set 132. While the arm lengths L1 andL2 remain identical, the gear set 132 includes a gear ratio less than1:1, such as 1:2, causing the second arm 17 to move at a larger ratethan the first arm 11. Because the arm lengths L1 and L2 are identical,the faster moving second arm 17 will move along a slanted line 144, orpossibly on are, between the standing user position 20 b and a sittinguser position 120 a. The sitting user position 120 a, illustrated as theshadowed position, and the standing user position 20 b are at a firstdistance D1 and second distance D2 from the center vertical line 24extending through the base 12, respectively. The first distance D1 isgreater than the second distance D2. In the illustrated embodiment, thecomputer support 20 is aligned with the vertical line 24 when in thestanding user position 20 b, and thus, D2 is generally zero. Thus, thecenter of gravity of the workstation 110 remains along the centervertical line 24 while in the standing user position 20 b, but isoff-center in the sitting user position 120 a. The off-center sittinguser position 120 a allows the computer operator to pull the headassembly 19 closer to the operator and provides foot room underneath thecomputer support 20 for the operator's convenience and comfort. As withthe preferred embodiment, the pneumatic springs 26 will allow thecomputer support 20 to stop at any position between the pre-set maximumand minimum heights. However, the position of the rod 27 within thecylinder 30 may need to be adjusted in order to create a greater forcewithin the pneumatic cylinder 30 to compensate for the off-centeredweight of the computer support 20, and attached computer, when in thesitting user position 120 a.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an isometric view of a pole 213 of acomputer work station, according to a second alternative embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Similar to the preferred embodiment, the pole213 includes a first arm 211 rotatably attached to the base 12, and asecond arm 217 rotatably attached to the first arm 211 via therotational coupling 18. Although the rotational coupling 18 isillustrated as including the gear set 32 with the 1:1 gear ratio, itshould be appreciated that the rotational coupling could include othertypes of couplings, such as a cam-bar mechanism, and include differentgear ratios. Unlike the previously discussed embodiments, the pole 213includes a third arm 234 and a second rotational coupling 245 thatoperably connects the second arm 217 to move with the third arm 234. Thepole 213 also includes a fourth arm 244 and a third rotational coupling246 that operably connects the third arm 234 to move with the fourth arm247. The arms 211, 217, 244 and 247 are preferably segmented similar toarms 11 and 17. The computer support 20 is attached to the fourth arm247 via the second pivot joints 50 a and 50 b. The second rotationalcoupling 245 is operable such that rotation of one of the second andthird arms 217 and 234 results in a rotation of the other of the secondand third arms 217 and 234. The third rotational coupling 246 isoperable such that the rotation of one of the third and fourth arms 234and 247 results in rotation of the other of the third and fourth arms234 and 246. Although not necessary, the second and third rotationalcoupling 245 and 246 also preferably include gear sets (not shown) witha 1:1 ratio. Similar to the first rotational coupling 18, the gear ratioof the gear sets of the second and/or third rotational couplings 245 and246 can be altered in order to affect the rate and direction of themovement of the coupled arms 234 and 217 or 234 and 247, respectively.

The present disclosure contemplates any number of arms being rotatablyconnected to one another similar to the arms 211, 217, 234 and 247.Similar to poles 13 and 113 in the preferred and first alternativeembodiments, pole 213 should be sufficiently long to accommodatestanding users of any height, but as short as possible to lower thecenter of gravity and increase stability of the computer workstation.Generally, the more arms included within the length of the pole, thesmaller the length of the arms. Thus, arms 217, 211, 234 and 247 areshorter than arms 11 and 17. The rotational couplings 18, 245, 246coupling the shorter arms 217, 211, 234 and 247 to one another willremain closer to the center vertical line 24 than the rotationalcoupling 18 coupling the longer arms 17 and 11 of the other embodimentsto one another when the computer support 20 is in the sitting userposition. The rotational couplings 18, 245, 246 may not even extendbeyond the perimeter of the base 12. The compact nature of the pole 213increases the ease with which the workstation 210 can be maneuveredwhile the computer support 20 is in the sitting user position 20 a.Moreover, the compact nature of the pole 213 keeps the arm mass centeredover the base 12, which also improves stability. This compactness alsoallows the pole to avoid impacts with surrounding objects, such as ahospital bed, even when the base is partially under the bed.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a schematic representation of acomputer workstation 310, according to a third alternative embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The computer workstation 310 includes pole 313that includes an attachment arm 349 fixedly attached to the base 12.Rather than the first arm 11 being rotatably attached to the base 12, asshown in FIG. 1-2, the first arm 11 is rotatably attached to theattachment arm 349. Although the first arm 11 is not rotatably attachedto the base 12, it should be appreciated that the first and second arm11 and 17 still rotate with respect to the base 12 as in the previousembodiments. Although the pole 313 is illustrated as including only onearm 349 between the rotatable arms 11 and 17 and the base 12, thepresent invention contemplates any number and size of arms fixedlyattached between the base or head assembly and the rotatable arms.Moreover, it should be appreciated that there could be more than tworotatable arms between the attachment arm 349 and the computer support20.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an isometric view of a head assembly419 of a computer workstation, according to a sixth alternativeembodiment of the present disclosure. The head assembly 419 is similarto head assembly 19 except that the head assembly 419 is adapted for atraditional computer with a flat screen monitor rather than a laptoptype computer. Thus, instead of the monitor rest 22, the head assembly419 includes a monitor attachment portion 448 to which a flat screenmonitor can be attached. The monitor attachment portion 448 isillustrated as fixedly attached to the platform 21. Like the headassembly 19, the head assembly 419 includes the platform 21 for thekeyboard, the drawer 23 and the handle 37. Also, like the head assembly19, the head assembly 419 can be attached to the computer support 20 ofany of the illustrated embodiments. Thus, the head assembly 419 can becoupled to the pole 213 with more than two arms, the pole 113 with thesecond arm 17 moving at a different rate than the first arm 11 and alongthe slanted line 144, or the pole 313 with the attachment arm 349. Thehead assembly 419 could include various accessories, including but notlimited to, an additional drawer, a recessed platform or an additionalplatform from more workspace. Moreover, the head assembly 419 can be ofvarious sizes for various sized computers.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a method of using the vertically-adjustablemobile computer workstation 10, 110, 310 will be discussed. In allembodiments, the head assembly 19, 419 that includes the computersupport 20 is coupled to the moveable base 12 via a pole 13, 113, 213,313 with multiple arms 11, 17 or 211, 217, 234 and 247 coupled to rotatewith one another and the base 12. Thus, a laptop computer can beattached to the head assembly 19 shown in FIG. 1 or a flat screenmonitor computer can be attached to head assembly 419 shown in FIG. 7,and transported throughout a workplace. For instance, a nurse can takethe computer workstation 10 or 110 on the nurse's rounds to differentpatients' rooms. When transporting the computer workstation 10, 110,310, the computer support 20 will generally be in the standing userposition 20 b because the computer workstation 10, 110 is more compactin the standing user position 20 b, and therefore, easier to maneuverthrough the work place. Because the computer support 20, and theattached computer, when in the standing user position 20 b are generallyaligned with the center vertical line 24 extending through the base 12,the majority of the weight is centered over the base 12, increasing thestability of the computer workstation 10, 110, 310 duringtransportation.

When the computer operator wants to use the computer, the operator caneither keep the computer support 20 in the standing user position 20 bor move the computer support 20, and attached computer, from thestanding user position 20 b to the sitting user position 20 a, 120 a bypivoting the arms 11 and 17 or 211, 217, 234 and 247 of the pole 13,113, 213, 313 with respect to one another and the moveable base 12.Although the arm 11 is not attached to the base 12 in the fifthalternative embodiment, the arms 11 and 17 still rotate with respect tothe orientation of the base 12 to the arms 11 and 17.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-3, according to the preferredembodiment, when the operator applies force to the handle 37 in order tolower the computer support 20 to the sitting user position 20 a, theforce acting on the arms 11 and 17 will overcome the force within thepneumatic cylinder 30, allowing the second arm 17 to move. Because thefirst arm 11 is coupled to rotate with the second arm 17, the second armwill also move. Because, in the preferred embodiment, the gear ratio ofthe gear set 32 is 1:1 and the arm lengths L1 and L2 are identical, thesecond arm 17 will pivot about the first arm 11 and the first arm 11will pivot about the base 12 at the same rate, causing the computersupport 20 with the attached computer to move along the center verticalline 24. As the computer support 20 with the computer moves downward,the computer remains over the center of the base 12, increasingstability of the workstation 10. The increased stability from centeringthe weight over the base 12 allows the computer workstation 10 to besupported by the relatively small base 12. The smaller the base, theeasier the computer workstation 10 is to maneuver through the workplace.Moreover, as the arms 11 and 17 rotate, the computer support 20 andattached computer remain in the fixed horizontal position because of thesegmented arms 11 and 17. As the computer support 20 moves downward, theinner segments 11 a and 17 a can, at least partially, slide within theouter segments 11 b and 17 b.

When the operator determines that the computer support 20 with theattached computer has reached the desired sitting user position 20 a,the operator can release the handle 37. The weight of the computer isbalanced by the force within the pneumatic cylinder 30 and the computersupport 20 and computer will stop in the desired sitting user position20 a. Because the position of the rod 27 within the pneumatic cylinder30 was preferably pre-set such that the force within the pneumaticcylinder 30 counteracted the weight of the laptop computer, the computersupport 20 will remain in the desired sitting user position 20 b. Theoperator can work on the computer without the computer continuing toadvance downward.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4, according to the first alternativeembodiment, when the operator moves the computer support 20 from thestanding user position 20 b to the sitting user position 120 a, thecomputer support 20 is moved away from the center vertical line 24.Because the first arm 11 is coupled to the second arm 17 via the gearset 132 with a ratio less that 1:1, the second arm 17 will move at afaster rate than the first arm 11, causing the second arm 17 to movealong the slanted line 144 towards the operator. When the operatordetermines that the computer support 20 with the computer is at thedesired sitting operator position 120 a, the operator can release thehandle 37 and the computer support 20 with the computer will stay in thedesired position due to the force within the pneumatic cylinder 30counteracting the weight of the computer. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the pneumatic springs 26 could be set such that theforce within the cylinder 30 counteracts the weight of the computer andcompensates for the weight of the computer being off-center when thecomputer support 20 is in the sitting user position 120 a. When in thesitting user position 120 a, the computer is closer to the operator thanthe computer is when in the standing user position 20 b, thus providingthe operator with leg room while operating the computer.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, in the second alternative embodiment,the computer support 20 moves along the center vertical line 24 betweenthe standing user position 20 b and the sitting user position 20 asimilar to the preferred embodiment. However, it should be appreciatedthat the present invention contemplates the computer support 20 attachedto pole 213 moving along an arc, or possibly a slanted line like thecomputer workstation 110 in the first alternative embodiment. In orderto move the computer support 20 along the slanted line, the gear ratioof, at least, the third rotational coupling 246 would be adjusted sothat the fourth arm 247 would move faster than the other arms 234, 217and 211. In the illustrated third alternative embodiment, when thecomputer operator applies force to the handle 37, the fourth arm 247will pivot about the third arm 234, the third arm 234 will pivot aboutthe second arm 217, and the second arm 217 will pivot about the firstarm 211. The first arm 211 will pivot about the base 12. Because thelengths of the arms 211, 217, 234 and 247 are less than the lengths L1and L2 of the arms 11 and 17 of the preferred embodiment, the pole 213will be more compact when the computer support 20 is in the sitting userposition 20 a than pole 13. In fact, the present invention contemplatesthe rotational couplings 18, 245 and 246 not extending beyond theperimeter of the base 12. Thus, the computer operator can move thecomputer support 20 and attached computer into the sitting user position20 a without concern of any of the arms 211, 217, 234 and 247 contactingother objects, such as walls or furniture.

In all of the illustrated embodiments, the rate of movement of the arms11 and 17 or 211, 217, 234 and 247 is controlled by setting the gearratio of the gear set 32, 132 operably coupling the arms to one another.In order to maintain the movement of the computer support 20 along thevertical or slanted line 24 or 144, the arm length of the faster arm canbe shortened or the arm length of the slower arm can be increased.

Further, in all illustrated embodiments, the battery 16 is suspendedunderneath the base 12. Not only does the battery 16 eliminate the needfor a power cord which can be in annoyance to the operator duringtransportation of the computer workstation 10, 110, 310, the battery 16also acts as the stability enhancer 15. The battery 16 below the base 12lowers the center of gravity, which in return, increases the stabilityof the computer workstation 10, 110, 310.

The present disclosure is advantageous because it provides a compactmobile computer workstation 10, 110, 310 that is relatively easy tomaneuver through the work place without compromising the stability ofthe workstation 10, 110, 310. By moving the computer support 20 with theattached computer along the vertical center line 24, the weight of thecomputer is centered over the base 12. In all embodiments, the computeris centered over the base 12 when in the most unstable position, thestanding user position 20 b. But, in the preferred embodiment, thecomputer is center over the base 20 even when in the sitting userposition 20 a. Further, by suspending the battery 16 below the base, thecenter of gravity of the workstation 10, 110, 310 is lowered. Bycentering the weight and lowering the center of gravity, the computerworkstation 10, 110, 310 is made more stable, and thus, can be supportedby a relatively small base 12. The relatively small base 12 allows thecomputer workstation 10, 110, 310 to be moved about the work place withrelative ease. In the illustrated embodiments, the base 12 is less thaneighteen inches in diameter.

Moreover, the computer workstation can be made even more compact byseparating the pole 213 into more than two rotatably attached arms. Themore arms rotating about pivot joints, the shorter the arms and thedistance between pivot joints. Thus, there is little, if any, overhangof the arms 211, 217, 234 and 247 outside the perimeter of the base 12.The computer workstation can be moved into the sitting user positionwithout the concern of the arms contacting furniture and walls.

The computer workstation 10, 110, 310 is advantageous because theoperators of various sizes can use the workstation 10, 110, 310comfortably. Each operator can determine the height of the sitting userposition 20 a, 120 a and standing user position 20 b most comfortablefor the operator. The computer will remain in the desired position dueto the neutral stop mechanism 25. The neutral stop mechanism 25 can beset in order to counteract the weight of various types and sizes ofcomputers. Further, in the first alternative embodiment, the operatorcan pull the computer closer to the operator and use the room underneaththe overhanging computer for leg room.

It should be understood that the above description is intended forillustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art willappreciate that other aspects, objects, and advantages of the inventioncan be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and theappended claims.

1. A vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation, comprising: abase supported by a plurality of rotatable members; a pole beingattached to the base and including a first arm connected to a secondarm; and the first and second arms including a rotational coupling beingoperable such that rotation of one of the first and second arms resultsin rotation of the other of the first and second arms, with respect tothe base.
 2. The vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation ofclaim 1 wherein the first arm being rotatably attached to the base. 3.The vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 1including a neutral support mechanism operably coupled to at least oneof the first arm and the second arm.
 4. The vertically-adjustable mobilecomputer workstation of claim 3 wherein the neutral support mechanismincludes at least one pneumatic spring coupled between the base and thefirst arm.
 5. The vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation ofclaim 1 including a head assembly including a computer support beingattached to the second arm of the pole, the arms being operable to movethe computer support between a sitting user position and a standing userposition.
 6. The vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation ofclaim 5 wherein the sitting user position and standing user positionbeing a first and second distance from a center vertical line extendingthrough the base, respectively; and the first distance being greaterthan or equal to the second distance.
 7. The vertically-adjustablemobile computer workstation of claim 5 wherein the head assembly movesalong a line between the standing user position and the sitting userposition.
 8. The vertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation ofclaim 1 wherein rotational coupling includes the first arm beingoperably coupled to the second arm via at least one gear set.
 9. Thevertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 8 wherein thefirst arm and the second arm include identical lengths, and the at leastone gear set includes a gear ratio of 1:1.
 10. The vertically-adjustablemobile computer workstation of claim 1 wherein the pole includes a thirdarm, and the rotational coupling being operable such that rotation ofone of the second and third arms results in a rotation of the other ofthe second and third arms.
 11. The vertically-adjustable mobile computerworkstation of claim 1 including at least one computer workstationaccessory positioned adjacent to a connector assembly connecting thesecond arm to the first arm.
 12. The vertically-adjustable mobilecomputer workstation of claim 1 wherein the base includes a stabilityenhancer including a weight being suspended from the base.
 13. Thevertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation of claim 12 whereinthe weight includes a battery; the first arm being rotatably attached tothe base; the rotational coupling includes the first arm being operablycoupled to the second arm via at least one gear set including a gearratio of 1:1, and the first arm and the second arm include identicallengths; at least one neutral support mechanism operably coupled betweenthe moveable base and the first arm, and including at least onepneumatic spring; a head assembly including a computer support beingattached to the second arm of the pole, the arms being operable torotate the computer support between a sitting user position and astanding user position along a line; and at least one computerworkstation accessory being positioned adjacent to a connector assemblyconnecting the second arm to the first arm.
 14. A method of using thevertically-adjustable computer workstation of claim 1, comprising thesteps of: coupling a head assembly including a computer support to basevia the pole, which has multiple arms that include the first and secondarms coupled to rotate with one another; and moving the computer supportbetween a sitting user position and a standing user position, at leastin part, by pivoting the first and second arms of the pole with respectto the base.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of movingincludes a step of moving the computer support along a line when movingbetween the sitting user position and the standing user position. 16.The method of claim 14 wherein the step of moving includes a step ofmoving the computer support away from a vertical line through a centerof the base when moving from the standing user position to the sittinguser position.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of movingincludes a step of controlling a rate of movement of the arms, at leastin part, by setting a gear ratio of at least one gear set operablycoupling the arms to one another.
 18. The method of claim 14 including astep suspending a battery underneath the base.
 19. Avertically-adjustable mobile computer workstation, comprising: a basesupported by a plurality of rotatable members; a pole being attached tothe base and including a first arm connected to a second arm, and thefirst and second arms being rotatable with response to the base; and atleast one neutral support mechanism operably coupled between the baseand the first arm.
 20. The vertically-adjustable mobile computerworkstation of claim 19 wherein the neutral support mechanism includesat least one pneumatic spring; a head assembly including a computersupport being attached to the second arm of the pole and the arms beingoperable to move the computer support between a sitting user positionand a standing user position along a line; the first arm being rotatablyattached to the base and operably coupled to the second arm via at leastone gear set including a gear ratio of 1:1; the first arm and the secondarm including identical lengths; and the base including a stabilityenhancer including a battery being suspended underneath the base.